The next morning.
Xiao Tian sensed someone entering his room. The aura felt very familiar.
He groggily opened his eyes and saw a charming woman standing gracefully beside his bed.
The woman wore a tight-fitting black gown that perfectly outlined her alluring figure. Her face was exquisite, and her long, narrow peach-blossom eyes seemed capable of hooking one's soul. A gentle smile graced her lips.
In her hands was a delicate copper basin half-filled with clear water.
"Sister Ya Fei, why are you here?" Xiao Tian asked as he sat up, looking at her with slight surprise.
"Of course, to serve Young Master Xiao Tian with his morning wash," Ya Fei replied with a smile. "You are our esteemed guest. I was worried others wouldn't serve you properly. What, you don't like me attending to you?"
She placed the copper basin on the stand and teased him playfully.
"How could I not like it? I couldn't ask for more," Xiao Tian said as he got out of bed. "Waking up to see such a beautiful woman first thing in the morning would make anyone's whole day brighter. If it could be like this every day, that would be wonderful."
With Ya Fei's assistance, Xiao Tian put on his outer robe. As for whether certain hands behaved themselves during the process, only the two of them knew.
After a simple wash, Xiao Tian and Ya Fei parted ways. Everyone had their own duties. Ya Fei had just taken over the position of elder and had many matters to handle. Coming to serve Xiao Tian was time she had specifically carved out from her busy schedule.
Xiao Tian then headed to Hai Bodong's courtyard.
"Old Hai, have you gathered enough medicinal ingredients?"
As a responsible hall master, he naturally had to look after his subordinates. Hai Bodong was destined to become a loyal Grand Elder in his future faction.
He had already decided on several vice hall masters and grand elders—only a few people were perfectly suited for those positions.
As for himself? As the boss, shouldn't he enjoy life properly?
"They have been found, but we only managed to gather one complete set so far. We're still searching for more," Hai Bodong replied.
"Then give me what you have. One set should be enough. There shouldn't be any major problems."
A trace of emotion flashed across Hai Bodong's face. A fifth-grade pill, and Xiao Tian was confident he could succeed on the first try. It seemed Xiao Tian's alchemy skills were even more terrifying than he had imagined.
"Thank you, Lord Hall Master," Hai Bodong said, using the formal honorific to express his gratitude.
"Old Hai, you're being too formal," Xiao Tian said with a smile. "Given how well we've gotten to know each other during this time, there's no need for such courtesy."
Xiao Tian took the medicinal ingredients and returned to his room.
There was a separate compartment inside the room for alchemy. He took out the Mountain Melting Cauldron and placed it on the ground, then neatly arranged the medicinal ingredients beside it.
Taking a deep breath to clear his mind of all distractions, Xiao Tian first preheated the cauldron.
He opened the lid and carefully placed the medicinal ingredients into the cauldron one by one in the correct order.
Then, he summoned his Three Thousand Burning Flame. A dark purple flame flickered to life.
Under the scorching heat of the abnormal flame, the ingredients quickly turned into fine powders and liquids.
Xiao Tian's fingers moved with precision as he focused entirely on controlling the flame's temperature and timing.
The Mountain Melting Cauldron flickered continuously while the medicinal liquids and powders fused under the intense heat.
Time passed minute by minute. The medicinal liquid inside the flame gradually solidified and eventually formed into a perfectly round shape.
Just as the pill took form, a fierce wave of energy rippled outward from within the flame, spreading like a surging tide.
Hai Bodong, who had been guarding nearby, felt the energy ripple and his face immediately lit up with joy.
This was the unique energy fluctuation that only appeared when a fourth-grade or higher pill was successfully refined.
It meant the refining process was almost complete—only the final pill collection remained. This was the most critical moment; any disturbance could ruin everything.
The energy ripple attracted many members of the Mitel Family, and even Miteer Tengshan hurried over. However, Hai Bodong quickly sent them all away.
About five minutes later, Xiao Tian finished refining the pill and meditated briefly to recover his depleted energy before walking out of the room.
Seeing that it was already dusk outside, he stretched lazily at the doorway.
"I didn't fail you."
Xiao Tian directly took out a jade bottle containing the Soul-Restoring Purple Pill and handed it over.
"Thank you, Xiao Tian. From now on, my life is yours," Hai Bodong said excitedly as he held the jade bottle like a priceless treasure.
"You should go test its effects first," Xiao Tian replied with a slight nod, knowing Hai Bodong could hardly wait.
Just half an hour after Hai Bodong left, a powerful five-star Dou Huang aura suddenly erupted above the Mitel Family estate.
"Hmm? Isn't that Old Ice's aura? It disappeared for decades—why has it suddenly reappeared?"
An old man in seclusion within the Imperial Family was startled awake by the familiar ice-cold aura.
"It's good that he's back. At least the empire's strength will increase significantly. Lately, the neighboring countries haven't been honest, and neither has the Cloud Mist Sect. I'll have to find time to meet Old Ice."
After muttering a few words, the old man closed his eyes and resumed his cultivation.
"Hahaha! I've finally recovered all my strength!"
Hai Bodong stood in the training room, clenching his fists and laughing loudly. His laughter echoed for dozens of meters around.
"It seems Hai Bodong has gone crazy after being sealed for decades," Xiao Tian muttered speechlessly when he heard the endless laughter.
Unable to endure the booming laughter any longer, Xiao Tian quickly left the area to escape the noise.
He went straight to Ya Fei's office. Ya Fei had just finished her tasks and was about to go look for him.
"Why are you here? I was just about to find you," Ya Fei said as she opened the door and saw Xiao Tian reaching out to push it. Her eyes lit up with joy.
"Isn't this telepathy at work? It seems we have great chemistry," Xiao Tian said with a handsome smile, his hand resting on the doorframe. "Beautiful Sister Ya Fei, would you be interested in showing me around Jia Ma Holy City and experiencing its local customs?"
Ya Fei secretly thought to herself, "This little fellow's immortal-like appearance paired with that smile is quite impactful—even for someone like me who has seen many storms."
"Since we have such great chemistry today, I will reluctantly take you on a tour of Jia Ma Holy City," Ya Fei replied, deliberately putting on a reluctant expression. However, the anticipation and joy in her eyes completely betrayed her true feelings.
"Then thank you, Sister Ya Fei."
The two walked out of the auction house side by side and strolled along the bustling streets. Xiao Tian looked around with great interest while Ya Fei introduced everything around them.
Although Xiao Tian had lived in the Jia Ma Empire for over ten years, this was his first time visiting the imperial capital.
The afterglow of the setting sun bathed them both, making the pair look like an immortal couple. The combination of a handsome young man and a stunning beauty constantly drew the attention of passersby.
Fortunately, no one foolishly came to cause trouble along the way. Perhaps because Xiao Tian was not a "Son of Destiny," there weren't many brainless villains jumping out to court death.
Xiao Tian and Ya Fei walked until they reached a scenic river. Both banks were beautifully illuminated by lanterns and lights.
The two stood quietly by the river. Xiao Tian leaned slightly against a willow tree on the bank. A gentle breeze blew past, stirring Ya Fei's loose hair.
"Xiao Tian… Little Brother."
Ya Fei sighed softly, finally breaking the peaceful silence.